This is in reply to a thread about Aro from a couple of days ago. It closed before I saw it.

I write a site called "Approaching Aro" that may answer most questions. There's a "Controversy FAQ" there that might be particularly useful.

Here I'll answer some of the questions that arose in the closed thread, and pose a few new ones.

What does ngak'chang mean?

It means "master of mantra". It's a common Tibetan term, spelled sngags 'chang. You can find it in the Rangjung Yeshe Dictionary online, or probably any other Tibetan dictionary.

re: Aro in general: its fun to play dress-up!

Ordained Aro tantrikas wear traditional ngakpa robes. Those are not unique to Aro. They are an aspect of the non-monastic system called gos dkar lcang lo (pronounced gö-kar-chang-lo), which is most common in the Nyingma but actually found in all four Schools. You can find this in the Rangjung Yeshe online dictionary too. "Gos dkar" means "white robe" and "lcang lo" means "long hair".

Lots of non-Aro folks who dress that way, notably the ngakpa community in Repkong, Amdo. It was not well-known in the West until recently, but there are now many people, both Tibetans and white folks, teaching on it. One particular proponent is Dr Nida Chenagtsang (an ethnic Tibetan, from Repkong) of the Ngakmang Institute. You can see a picture on his page at:

which shows a group of Tibetans in attire identical to that Aro wears.

Most Aro practitioners do not consider gos dkar lcang lo "fun". It's a pain in the posterior. It has an important religious function in non-monastic tantra lineages, however.

they dress up like that to do the exact opposite of what non-tantra lineages do.

This is pretty much correct...

Instead of dark robes they wear white which symbolizes death...

This is not correct. The white was originally natural, undyed cotton, which symbolizes the unaltered Natural State, i.e. Dzogchen. (Nothing to do with death! Usually white in Tantra symbolizes bodhicitta. Offhand, I can't recall its ever being symbolically associated with death, although obviously bones are white.) Nowadays the cotton is bleached, which makes hash of the symbolism but maybe looks nicer.

This is not correct. The white was originally natural, undyed cotton, which symbolizes the unaltered Natural State, i.e. Dzogchen. (Nothing to do with death! Usually white in Tantra symbolizes bodhicitta. Offhand, I can't recall its ever being symbolically associated with death, although obviously bones are white.) Nowadays the cotton is bleached, which makes hash of the symbolism but maybe looks nicer.

"Ridiculous" is a matter of perception, but I agree with you about that! However, the hats are again traditional within the Nyingma, and not specific to Aro (except in small details).

Like most ngakpas, most Aro practitioners are non-celibate. (Is there a problem with that?)

Vulgarity is strongly discouraged by the Aro Lamas. (We may fail to live up to that recommendation sometimes.)

None of us, including the Lamas, attempt "crazy wisdom". "Eccentric decency" is what we aspire to.

Best wishes! I'm happy to answer any questions about Aro, as best I can.

David

I was just told the white symbolized death from a friend, (who's root teacher is Ngakpa Chogyam) he may have just said that because traditionally in Indian culture i know they wrap their dead in white linen, maybe he was confusing the cultures customs?

"Ridiculous" is certainly a matter of perception! I only used that term to convey the severity in the contrast between the elements of their clothing compared to the non-tantric schools. I can't say i truly believe they're ridiculous... might be outlandish compared to little billy walking down the street with a SF Giants hat but again that's a matter of perception!

Is there a problem with being non-celibate? Maybe, if there was some type of virus which annihilated the population of the earth and the only three people left was myself, an Aro Lama and a pretty lady. And the cure for the virus was to have sex with the pretty lady, and whoever didn't get to her first was going to die... it might be a problem then.

A little vulgarity here and there doesn't hurt... everything in moderation.

What does "fake" mean? There's a couple hundred of us, and we are real people. Fake what? In what way? How do you know?

Hi David,

I think the word fake here point to the fact that there have not been found a single evidence, in the form of Tibetan texts or Tibetan Lamas recollection, that Khyungchen Aro Lingma or her practices ever existed. Considering that she is said to have died 1923 this is highly suspicious.

/magnus

We are all here to help each other go through this, whatever it is.~Kurt Vonnegut

"To reject practice by saying, 'it is conceptual!' is the path of fools. A tendency of the inexperienced and something to be avoided."- Longchenpa

"Even though you have recognized your essence, if you do not get accustomed to it,You will be carried away by the enemy of thoughts, like a small child in a battle field.So long as you are not free from the limitations of accepting and rejecting,That long will you not recognize the view of the innermost secret heart-essence."

What does "fake" mean? There's a couple hundred of us, and we are real people. Fake what? In what way? How do you know?

Hi David,

I think the word fake here point to the fact that there have not been found a single evidence, in the form of Tibetan texts or Tibetan Lamas recollection, that Khyungchen Aro Lingma or her practices ever existed. Considering that she is said to have died 1923 this is highly suspicious.

/magnus

This^

And, who knows this? (As far as I can tell, this "knowledge" is confined to a handful of forum posters, formerly of e-Sangha, now here.)

Handful? No one has ever heard of Dilgo Khyentse or Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche recognizing Aro Gter outside of what Aro Gter has said. Nor have I heard of any major lineage holder recognizing the Aro Gter teachings as legitimate.

This forum would prefer meaningful discourse as opposed to discord, so please address the points made by members. If we feel this discussion is not heading towards any type of productive direction, we may regretfully have to lock this thread.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

Lineage is one thing. But another important thing is proving one's doctrine based on the teachings of canonical scriptures. How is that in Aro gTer's case?

1Myriad dharmas are only mind. Mind is unobtainable. What is there to seek?2If the Buddha-Nature is seen,there will be no seeing of a nature in any thing.3Neither cultivation nor seated meditation —this is the pure Chan of Tathagata.4With sudden enlightenment to Tathagata Chan,the six paramitas and myriad meansare complete within that essence.

asunthatneversets, maybe your friend knows something I don't... I've never heard that white=death symbolism, but it could be.

heart/magnus, Ah, yes, I see. I addressed that at http://approachingaro.org/did-aro-lingma-exist . Skepticism about the Aro history is entirely reasonable. However, for me (and other Aro students) the objective accuracy of the history is irrelevant to whether the lineage functions.

In this regard, it's important to realize that according to Western standards of objective history, many to most of the central Indo-Tibetan lineage figures are probably imaginary. There's no historical evidence, in objective Western terms, for the existence of Yeshe Tsogyal for instance; her story has been recovered only as terma, centuries after she died.

Mr. G, you are quite correct, no lineage holder has publicly and explicitly recognized the Aro terma as valid. It's up to individual to make up their minds what system to pursue, and for anyone who finds such official certification comforting, the Aro gTér is a poor choice.

Several important Nyingma Lamas have publicly and explicitly praised and endorsed Ngak'chang Rinpoche as a teacher, without commenting on the validity of the system he teaches. This is well-documented. Again, it's up to individuals to decide how important or relevant that endorsement is for them.

Astus, I am reasonably familiar with Nyingma doctrines, having read well over a hundred books on the subject. That does not make me a serious scholar, but I'm not ignorant or a beginner. I've never found any contradictions between the Aro gTér and other Nyingma Dharma.

Thanks David, I appreciate your approach to the matter. My question, however, was primarily for those who question the Aro gTer's validity. I am merely a curious bystander waiting for the outcome of this thread.

1Myriad dharmas are only mind. Mind is unobtainable. What is there to seek?2If the Buddha-Nature is seen,there will be no seeing of a nature in any thing.3Neither cultivation nor seated meditation —this is the pure Chan of Tathagata.4With sudden enlightenment to Tathagata Chan,the six paramitas and myriad meansare complete within that essence.

David Chapman wrote:heart/magnus, Ah, yes, I see. I addressed that at http://approachingaro.org/did-aro-lingma-exist . Skepticism about the Aro history is entirely reasonable. However, for me (and other Aro students) the objective accuracy of the history is irrelevant to whether the lineage functions.

In this regard, it's important to realize that according to Western standards of objective history, many to most of the central Indo-Tibetan lineage figures are probably imaginary. There's no historical evidence, in objective Western terms, for the existence of Yeshe Tsogyal for instance; her story has been recovered only as terma, centuries after she died.

You think Yeshe Tsogyal is invented so then it is ok to invent someone called Aro Lingma , seriously?

Do you have any proof at all that some called Aro Lingma lived 1886 - 1923? An other terma from a reputable terton will be ok for me, I am a Nyingma and do have confidence in termas and tertons.

/magnus

We are all here to help each other go through this, whatever it is.~Kurt Vonnegut

"To reject practice by saying, 'it is conceptual!' is the path of fools. A tendency of the inexperienced and something to be avoided."- Longchenpa

"Even though you have recognized your essence, if you do not get accustomed to it,You will be carried away by the enemy of thoughts, like a small child in a battle field.So long as you are not free from the limitations of accepting and rejecting,That long will you not recognize the view of the innermost secret heart-essence."

David Chapman wrote:Astus, I am reasonably familiar with Nyingma doctrines, having read well over a hundred books on the subject. That does not make me a serious scholar, but I'm not ignorant or a beginner. I've never found any contradictions between the Aro gTér and other Nyingma Dharma.

We are all here to help each other go through this, whatever it is.~Kurt Vonnegut

"To reject practice by saying, 'it is conceptual!' is the path of fools. A tendency of the inexperienced and something to be avoided."- Longchenpa

"Even though you have recognized your essence, if you do not get accustomed to it,You will be carried away by the enemy of thoughts, like a small child in a battle field.So long as you are not free from the limitations of accepting and rejecting,That long will you not recognize the view of the innermost secret heart-essence."

Astus wrote:Thanks David, I appreciate your approach to the matter. My question, however, was primarily for those who question the Aro gTer's validity. I am merely a curious bystander waiting for the outcome of this thread.

Astus wrote:Lineage is one thing. But another important thing is proving one's doctrine based on the teachings of canonical scriptures. How is that in Aro gTer's case

Hi Astus,

As you know, termas were hidden by Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal. The issue is if there is a dispute about the origin of the lineage, and the terma has not been authenticated, then one has to question the validity of the terma. If the terma is not valid, it won't liberate the person practicing it.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

I think the question is how is their behavior. Is their conduct virtuous? Compare them to a recognized Tulku like Alyce Zeoli or Seagal(Nyingma's equivalent of the crazy uncle no one talks about) who technically I should support being a student of Penor Rinpoche. The Supreme Head of the Nyingma school recognized these individuals. I have no stones to throw at unconventional Samaya keeping individuals.

I've known other Tulkus as well. Some are amazing. The most amazing practitioners I've ever known actually. Some are constantly afflicted by demons of disease or mental illness. Such is life in the darkening age of Kali Yuga.

David Chapman wrote:Mr. G, you are quite correct, no lineage holder has publicly and explicitly recognized the Aro terma as valid. It's up to individual to make up their minds what system to pursue, and for anyone who finds such official certification comforting, the Aro gTér is a poor choice.

Hi David,

I appreciate you taking the time to elaboarate. I understand your point of view.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

The fact is, as Nemo points towards, is that most tulkus are not necessarily "enlightened", and generally at best bodhisattvas on one of the bhumis...and can still fall from realization. . so just because one had realization up to a point in their previous life or even this life doesn't mean they couldn't or haven't fallen from that. Recognition of a tulku doesn't mean they are automatically qualified, just as a long-life prayer extolling qualities composed 20 years ago may not reflect the current state of the recipient. We are left to ourselves to analyze potential gurus, and in the case of potential tertons, there is a convention for establishing their authenticity-- generally predictions in previous termas and the approval of lineage holders of already-authenticated termas.

None of this means that the teacher in question is not realized, or that Aro ter is not an authentic revelation. However, skepticism is healthy considering the outcome of following a false terma and an unrealized teacher. What would be more helpful than a student defending these things on questionable grounds such as "it doesn't matter if it is authentic, what is authentic? etc." Is having a single qualified elder lineage-holder of Nyingma tradition endorse the terma and the teacher of it, putting all questions, uncertainty, doubts, and dialogues about odd history and samaya issues to rest.

Until then, there are bound to be an endless number of skeptics. . .

Contentment is the ultimate wealth;Detachment is the final happiness. ~Sri Saraha

ngodrup wrote:Best to leave the matter open ended unless one has some personal investment.

Hi ngodrup,

However, every Dzogchen practitioner does have a personal investment. Does the potential student "gamble" on an unauthenticated terma, or do they practice termas that have been authenticated and recognized with the history of a lineage behind them. The personal investment is immense since one's liberation is at stake.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu